COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTIONThis is our special ale from the brewers at Anchor. It is sold only from early November to mid-January. The Ale’s recipe is different every year, but the intent with which we offer it remains the same: joy and celebration of the newness of life. Since ancient times, trees have symbolized the winter solstice when the earth, with its seasons appears born anew.

Editor’s Note: due to the significant similarity in style and strength from year to year (despite potential differences in the exact spice blend), this beer is no longer separated by vintage.

Light brown lasting foam and a delicate aroma of fig, plum and roasted malt. The taste varies over hard roasted malt, a little hazelnut, fig, dried dark fruit (prune / raisin) candied and dark bitter chocolate. It is without doubt a very delicious ale with clearly Belgian touch. It signals Christmas with large ’C’ and tastes determined by more than 5.5% alcohol as the label says. The bitterness is gentle, yet present, and put a beautiful end to the many flavors that bombards the taste buds to a degree almost become too violent. Now one should not complain when a brewmaster pampers with all its artist, but less hard roasted malt, less heavy fruit hues and easier fullness had also dressed this great ale. Semi-dry aftertaste.

Poured from a 12 oz bottle into a pint glass.
Aroma- Malt and spices, real pleasing
Appearance- A reddish-black with a small off-white head
Taste- Once again the malt and spices are present. this time they are in the flavor and they deliver: very nice
Palate- A medium bodied beer with moderate carbonation.
Overall- An excellent version of a winter warmer

355ml bottle from 2014, still available at Systembolaget Söderhallarna. Dark brown with a creamy, compact, tan head. Great aroma, cinnamon, pine, cherry, there are many scents and it is difficult to distinguish them. Smooth mouthfeel, medium carbonated. The taste begins with caramel and spices, cinnamon, prunes. Finish with fresh green pine needles.

2014 Bottle: This one pours a cloudy, dark amber color. There was a finger of a light tan head. Some lacing. Good nose. Malts, holiday spices are the most predominate. Getting some dark fruits also. The taste is very good. Very rich malt body, with just a bit of sweetness, Subdues holiday spices, maybe some orange, a touch of earthy hops. Very Nice!

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